Raytheon Stirling/Pulse Tube Two-Stage (RSP2) Cryocooler Advancements

• Published in: Advances in Cryogenic Engineering; Volume 49B Vol. 710; pp. 1285 - 1292
• Main Authors: Finch, A T, Price, K D, Kirkconnell, C S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 23.06.2004
• ISBN: 9780735403840; 0735403848
• ISSN: 0094-243X
• DOI: 10.1063/1.1774816

Raytheon is developing a two-stage hybrid Stirling/pulse tube cryocooler for long life space infrared (IR) sensor applications. The first expander stage is a conventional Oxford-class Stirling expander. The second expander stage is a U-turn pulse tube mechanically and thermodynamically extended from the first stage Stirling cold end.Recent development work has been devoted to improving the math model correlation in preparation for construction of an optimized expander design. We have obtained a large performance database using a variety of phase shifters and surge volume arrangements with the cryocooler operating over a wide range of operating conditions and temperatures. This database not only forms the foundation of the model correlation effort, but it also is being used to identify the optimum phase shifter and surge volume designs for various operating regimes of interest.Development testing of the first unit is now complete and a second, improved expander is being developed based on lessons learned. The new expander is being designed for cold stage service in the 30 K to 80 K range.